Provident enhances leadership team with key appointments

    Provident Bank, a Iselin-based financial institution, announced on Wednesday it has made a number of key leadership appointments following its successful merger with SB One Bank at the beginning of August.

    Anthony Labozzetta has been named president and chief operating officer. He will report to Chris Martin, chairman and CEO, and be responsible for the management of commercial banking, retail banking, human resources, marketing and operations. In addition, he will help develop and execute the bank’s strategic initiatives. Previously, Labozzetta was CEO and president of SB One Bank. He joined in 2010 and has more than 25 years of experience serving the region. Prior to SB One Bank, he was an executive vice president of the mid-Atlantic division of TD Banknorth and senior vice president and COO at Interchange Financial Services.

    “I am proud to be a part of the oldest and one of the most respected financial institutions in New Jersey,” Labozzetta said. “Provident’s strong commitment to their employees, customers and communities is well-known throughout our market. I am excited by the opportunity to work with such a talented team and the prospects for growing and expanding our business.”

    In addition, the bank announced Vito Giannola has been appointed to EVP and chief retail banking officer. He will be responsible for leading the branch network, retail operations and administration. He will also develop and manage the retail banking division’s overall sales and customer experience. Previously, he served as SEVP and chief banking officer at SB One Bank. He has more than 25 years of experience in financial services. Prior to SB One Bank, he served as SVP, retail market manager at TD Bank and held senior roles with Chase and First Union Bank.

    George Lista will continue in his role as president of SB One Insurance Agency Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services. He’s been in the role since 2001 and has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry.

    “I am pleased to welcome Tony, Vito and George to our Executive Management Team and look forward to working with them,” Martin said. “While with SB One, they were instrumental in achieving outstanding results and transforming the bank into a high-performing organization. Their talents and experience complement our existing management team and ensure we are well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities.”

    Lastly, Josephine Moran has been named to EVP, chief corporate services and consumer lending officer, overseeing the development and implementation of production and revenue strategies. She joined Provident in 2018 and most recently served as EVP and director of retail banking. Moran has more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry, spending time at Webster Bank, Columbia Bank, Santander, Wells Fargo and Wachovia.

    “Josephine’s exceptional knowledge of financial services and her extensive experience in Residential and Consumer Lending, Small Business Lending, Government Banking, and Investment Services will enable us to place greater emphasis on driving results in these important business units and enhance our ability to deliver innovative, best-in-class financial services to our customers,” Martin said.